online

Glossary of Online Terms (Including Insurance)

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A written agreement signed by users outlining terms and conditions of Internet or individual Website use.

Your assigned "right" to use a particular computer system, which usually includes a unique user name and password to gain legitimate access to the system.

The Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development which creates and promotes paper and electronic insurance form standards to facilitate Electronic Data Interchange.

Developed by MicroSoft, it is a software component used in creating applications that may reside on a single computer, be shared by a network of computers or used across the Internet.

The location where a person or computer expects to find or deliver a particular piece of information, such as:

"Its_me@workplace," that specifies how electronic mail can be sent to a person or organization,

or a Web site address (see URL)

"http://www.ownpage.ownsite/beginhere"

administrivia

A playful modification of "trivia." It refers to relatively minor administrative tasks, typically related to maintaining mailing lists, digests, news gateways, etc.

The ACORD company's agency/company interface standard called Automated Level 3.

An initial test site for new or modified computer products. The testing is performed in a simulation of the product's intended working environment.

An anchor is the destination for a link within the same Web page instead of at a different page or Web site.

animated GIF

An animated GIF uses the GIF89a format of saving several images and then sequentially displaying them via Web browsers, creating the illusion of movement.

anonymous FTP

Using an account name, "anonymous," to log into an Internet site and retrieve public files.

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

A developer of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) standards.

A small, limited-access, Java program that can be embedded in an HTML page. Typically used for special effects.

application

or "app." An alternative term for computer program.

architecture

See computer architecture.

Collections of older files that are stored on a computer and made available for distribution, usually via FTP.

artificial intelligence (A.I.)

Computers that function using simulated human logic rather than mechanical reasoning. Theoretically such computers would be capable of learning from its transactions.

ARPANet (Advanced Research Projects agency Network)

In essence, the original Internet. It was an experimental effort of the U.S. Department of Defense in the early 70s to build a wide-area network, capable of surviving nuclear war.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

A coding method that allows different computers and devices to communicate. Under ASCII, numerical values are assigned to punctuation, words, numbers and control characters.

asynchronous transfer mode

A very high-speed method in which fiber-optic lines are used to simultaneously transmit audio and video data.

at sign (@)

The at sign (@) is the separator for most e-mail addresses; it separates the user ID from the domain name of the mail computer.

A graphics, sound or text file which is attached to and delivered along with an e-mail message.

In HTML, attributes are used to create extra formatting options to content, such as boldfacing, italics, colors or background; even special effects. More than one attribute may be added to HTML content.

authentication

The verification of the identity of a person or process, typically during a user's attempt to log in.

authorization

The granting of privilege (such as Internet or network access) based on identity.

auto-responder

A program that generates an automated response to an e-mail message. This program is typically used when a person is on an extended leave such as a business trip or vacation or to give immediate, initial notification that a message has been received.

Short for "Business to Business" and refers to commerce that focuses on sales of products or services to other businesses rather than to consumers.

Refers to the network component that links several LANs or workgroups together in a single building.

Refers to the amount of information that's transmitted through an Internet connection and is expressed in bits per second (BPS).

A type of Web advertising consisting of a graphic which links to an advertiser's home page.

The rate at which a modem transfers data from one computer to another. Modems typically range between 300 to 19200 baud.

BBS (Bulletin Board System)

An online forum, accessible via modem, for users to browse and exchange information.

Where a hardware or software product is tested in the field before being released commercially.

binary file

Any nontext file is a binary file where any combination of bits is possible.

binhex (BINary HEXadecimal)

A method for converting nontext files (non-ASCII) into ASCII, which facilitates Internet e-mail which can only handle ASCII files.

Short for Binary digIT which is either a one or a zero.

bits per second

A list of frequently accessed Web sites which have been electronically "marked" by a user for future reference.

The return of a piece of mail because of an error in its address or in its delivery.

A device for expanding a Local Area Network by selectively forwarding packets of data to another part of the LAN. See router.

Software that allows users to navigate between networked computers to request and display data.

Abbreviation of the phrase "by the way."

The number of bits (generally eight) which represent one character. Example: the word "one" seen on a computer screen would represent three bytes of information and, at least, 24 bits.

cable modem

A modem that connects a personal computer to a cable line for fast data transmission. Allegedly this setup is quite vulnerable to hacking since the "line" from the computer remains open.

Stands for compact disk read only memory. Used for storing computer information and has a substantially higher capacity than diskettes.

centralized computing

A computer architecture which features data organization, data storage and computing occurring within a mainframe computer. Thus the computer functions take place at a central location.

certification authority

Any organization that maintains records such as names, personal information, employers, addresses, etc. This allows the organization to validate network users.

CGI (Common Gateway Interface)

A set of rules on how a Web server communicates with another piece of software on the same machine. Any piece of software can be a CGI program if it handles input and output according to the CGI standard (rules).

The most common name of a directory on a Web server where CGI programs are stored. The "bin" part of "cgi-bin" is a short for "binary" because programs were once called "binaries."

A verb meaning "to select something with a (computer) mouse."

client (or client/server)

A relationship in which one device or computer program is dedicated to serving another device or program.

Can be a software application that works on your behalf to extract some service from a server somewhere on the network. An example of a client is a Web browser.

coaxial cable

An electrical cable that contains two separate wires. One wire is solid and the other is a tube. The solid wire is inside the tube. Both wires have the same center point, or axis.

commercial on-line service

Companies who provide consumers access to the Internet, for a fee, such as America Online, CompuServe, Genie and Prodigy.

Common Object Request Broker architecture (CORBA)

Allows heterogeneous information including applications to be placed within a capsule (object) and shared among other CORBA-compliant applications.

computer architecture

Refers to the type of computer or the kind of software that will be used on a computer. Sometimes referred to as "platform."

computer output to laser disk

An application that can take data from information systems and store them on laser disks.

content-free

A message or talk that adds nothing to the recipient's knowledge.

continuous speech recognition

Technology capable of converting conversation into digitized text.

Commonly refers to a piece of information sent by a Web server to a Web browser. The browser software is expected to save and to send back the information to the server whenever the browser makes additional requests from the server. A wide variety of information about the sender may be stored in a cookie.

An unexpected interruption of the proper functioning of a computer, disk drive or software.

To post a message to several news groups simultaneously. An action usually frowned on in Internet culture.

A term coined by William Gibson in his fantasy novel "Neuromancer" to describe the computer-world and the society that gathers around it.

A collection of libraries of data.

database front end

In the context of the Internet, this is an interface which integrates Web applications with complex database programs.

data mining

The process of discovering new information by searching and asking questions of (querying) large databases.

data warehouse

An electronic storage facility (portion of a network or separate, dedicated servers) of business information that has been set up in a manner to facilitate its analysis, study and manipulation.

dial-up account

A basic Internet account that allows you to contact (dial-up) a provider's computer with a modem.

dedicated line

A telecommunications line that gives a computer a direct, permanent Internet connection.

The value supplied by the system when the user omits it from a parameter list on a command or control statement.

A temporary, as opposed to dedicated, connection between computers established over a standard phone line.

The digital version of literati, which refers to persons perceived as knowledgeable regarding the digital revolution.

directory services

A feature that uses multiple identifiers and alerts the requester to the location of a web or network destination.

distributed computing

Where computing functions, including data organization and storage, are distributed (via PCs) throughout an organization. See Centralized Computing.

document imaging

Using scanners to digitize information on paper documents so they can be handled and stored on computers.

domain name

An Internet Web site address.

Domain Registration

The process of requesting and receiving a unique name for a location on the Internet from a regulatory body.

To acquire (load) information (down) from another computer or Web site.

Software for using a peripheral hardware device (such as a printer or scanner) that is attached to a computer.

DSL (digital subscriber line)

A method for moving data over regular phone lines which are leased by the subscriber. However, a DSL circuit is much faster than a regular phone connection.

embedded hyperlink

A hyperlink that is incorporated into a line of text.

e-commerce (electronic commerce)

The set of processes that allows an organization to transact business electronically, including taking complete orders and processing payments for goods or services.

Electronic Data Interchange

Refers to the electronic transmission of important business information via computer exchange.

Transmitting correspondence electronically within an internal or external network.

Characters which, when viewed sideways, reflect the emotional state of the writer of the message. Because electronic mail does not allow for body language or other emotional clues, emoticons are very useful.

Examples: Happy: :-), Sad: :-( , Surprised =8-o.

Specially encoding or arranging information so that it cannot be read by anyone but the intended party.

enterprise-wide network

A network comprised of every computer within an organization within which all of the company's critical operations are performed.

A 10-million bits per second networking design that is widely used for LANs because it can connect a wide variety of computers, is not proprietary, and uses components that are available from many sources.

expert system

A rules-based program (example, automated underwriting) which can apply the set of rules to simulate reasoning and is capable of modifying its rules; in other words, "learns."

Where external persons or businesses are permitted access to a company intranet (internal company network).

FaQ (frequently asked question)

A compilation of the most often asked questions and answers on a topic.

fast packet

Describes when large blocks or packets of information are rapidly transmitted or switched over a network.

FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)

A network technology standard that uses fiber-optic cable capable of 100-million bit per second data rate.

file server

A computer specifically intended for storing files that users share over a network. The computer being used as the file server is typically a dedicated machine that is unavailable for other workstation tasks.

An Internet software tool that's typically used for locating people on other Internet sites.

A combination of hardware and software that is used to prevent unauthorized access to an internal computing system that belongs to a user who is accessing the Internet.

Mail or Usenet posting which is, characteristically, crude, derogatory or argumentative.

Sending hate e-mail to an Internet user.

forms-capable browser

A common feature of a Web browser which allows users to "fill in the blank" in questionnaires and other user-response items.

FTP (file transfer protocol)

A component of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) that controls the data exchange between two hosts/computers.

fuzzy logic

Computer programming that combines a rules-based system with symbolic reasoning; it allows a computer to process information in a simulation of human reasoning.

See CGI (Common Gateway Interface.)

geographic information system

Any system that combines data with mapping capabilities in order to map certain activities or events geographically.

GIF (graphic interchange format)

A common format for image files, especially suitable for images containing large areas of the same color.

Refers to either 1,000 megabytes or 1 billion bytes or information. Alternatives: gb or "gig."

Once, a wide-based method of making menus of material available over the Internet. This Client and Server style program has largely been replaced by Hypertext, also known as WWW (World Wide Web).

GUI (graphical user interface)

The set of windows, menus, control buttons and other on-screen devices which a person uses to operate a computer or computer program.

Any person with substantial expertise in a certain topic or area of study.

A programmer who enjoys accomplishing difficult tasks and learning more and more about networking and computer systems. The term is often misused for the term "cracker", which is a programmer who "breaks" into networks.

A printed copy of some data.

a piece of computer hardware used to store files or information.

Physical components of a computer such as monitor, mouse, printer, system unit, disk drive, modem, and keyboard.

A header is also the part of an e-mail or an information packet that precedes the actual message. Headers often contain the message originator, date and time.

The technical support department of an organization.

In the context of the WWW: 1. the act of accessing an HTML document on a server, and 2. the result(s) returned from an Internet search.

The first page on a Web site that acts as the starting point for navigation.

A computer that acts as a server.

A place in a document that contains an embedded hyperlink.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

The coded format used to create Web documents. HTML commands control text appearance. Files in HTML format are viewed with a World Wide Web Client program.

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

The internal process that allows the transmission of multimedia (text, sound and video) among computers.

Hardware that contains ports to which computers and peripherals (printers, keyboards, scanners, monitors, etc.) may be attached.

These are links in HTML documents that you can click on to travel to other Web destinations.

The multimedia links on the Web that lead to sound, graphics, video or text resources.

A term coined by Ted Nelson to refer to a nonlinear system of information browsing and retrieval that contains associative links to other related documents. Hypertext is the basic organizing principle of the World Wide Web.

Graphic or symbol on the computer monitor that represents a computer task or file.

IMHO (in my humble opinion)

A shorthand addition to a comment made online. IMHO indicates that the writer is aware that their statement is debatable.

inline image

A graphic that is part of a Web page.

Communication among computer devices or programs.

interface engine

Software that permits application information to be shared among network users without the need for each PC to contain an interface device.

international standards organizations

Any organization that creates, maintains and enforces global computer and communications standards.

Capitalized I, the portion of the World Wide Web that consists of the growing, global network of computers which exchange information in a combination of text, graphics and sounds.

A private network inside a company or organization that uses the same kinds of software found on the public Internet, but that is only for internal use.

IP number (Internet protocol number)

Sometimes called a dotted quad. A unique number consisting of four parts separated by dots (e.g. 162.109.326.9), which exists for every machine connected to the Internet. The IP number is a numerical equivalent of a Domain Name.

IRC (Internet relay chat)

Basically a huge multi-user live chat facility.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

A method to move more data over existing regular phone lines.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An institution that provides users/subscribers with access to the Internet; typically for money.

Sun Microsystem's programming language for creating small Web applications (applets) that can be used by computers employing any kind of operating system.

JavaScript (a non-Java related Netscape product) is a "scripting" language tool for creating special effects and active content on Web pages.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

A graphics file that is favored for displaying high quality photographs on Web pages.

Special target words or phrases for searching the Internet or databases.

Short for killer application, which is a way to express admiration for a particularly exciting or effective software program or feature.

A thousand bytes of data represented by kb.

Typically a free-standing, automated terminal used for consumer product and service purchases.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network, usually located in the same building or floor of a building.

leased line

An exclusive, rented phone line connection for high-speed data transmissions. The connection is available at all times (24 hours a day and 7 days a week).

legacy systems

Programs or systems that an organization inherits due to mergers and acquisitions or previous installations.

Opposite of killer app(lication), a particularly weak program.

The most common kind of Internet mailing list.

The account name you use to gain access to a computer system.

Noun: Gaining access, or signing in, to a computer system. Verb: log on.

To spend time watching a newsgroup without posting anything.

(or mailing list) A (usually automated) system that allows people to send e-mail to one address at which their message is copied and distributed to all of the mail list subscribers.

A very large computer capable of handling many very complex computing tasks; can be used by hundreds or thousands of users in a centralized computer environment.

(Roughly) a million bytes of information, represented by mb or "meg."

Refers to any code or text designed to draw traffic to a Website (via search engines), yet which cannot be viewed by site visitors.

Software that acts as a bridge (gateway) between two, otherwise, incompatible software systems.

See Minicomputer.

MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)

The standard for attaching nontext files to standard Internet mail messages. Nontext files include graphics, spreadsheets, formatted word-processor documents, sound files, etc.

minicomputer

A medium-sized computing system that has a capacity to handle substantially more tasks and users than a desktop PC, but substantially less than a mainframe computer.

mission critical

Information related to a company's highest priority work processes.

Short for "mirror sites" and refers to Web or FTP sites that maintain exact copies of material originating at another location. Mirrors are usually created in order to provide more widespread access to the resource.

modem (MOdulator, DEModulator)

A device that is connected to a computer and to a phone line, so that a connection can be made to the Internet or to a remote computer.

Refers to hardware and software that can transmit and receive video and sound files as well as text files.

MUD (multi-user dungeon or dimension)

Typically a text-based multiple-user simulation environment that is used for a host of reasons including recreation, fantasy and software development.

(Modification of InterNet plus Etiquette) refers to the rules of on-line conduct.

Derived from the term citizen, referring to a citizen of the Internet, or someone who uses networked resources, and is an active and civilly responsible net participant.

Any time two or more computers are connected in order to share resources, a network exists. Connecting two or more networks creates an Internet.

network Computer

A PC with very limited ability and memory that specializes as a simple device to gain access to, browse and download information from a network (or Internet).

The name for discussion groups on USENET.

NNTP (Network News Transport Protocol)

The protocol used to transmit USENET postings over a TCP/IP network. (Examples are Internet Explorer and Netscape).

Any single computer connected to a network.

A small package of data that is combined with programming elements. Objects are typically capable of performing simple functions.

Object Management Group

An association of software and system vendors formed to create object-oriented technology and computing services standards.

object-oriented technology

Any application development that is designed to use data packaged into objects. See CORBA.

The opposite of "online" and means any time there isn't an active connection to the Internet (or to an internal network).

The state of being connected to the Internet (or to an internal network).

operating system (OS)

Stands for operating system, which is the critical program that manages all of a computer's other applications. Examples are DOS, OS/2, UNIX, and Windows 97.

Blocks of data which includes the addresses of the data's origin and destination.

packet switching

A method for transmitting data across the Internet. Packets, which contain its origin and destination addresses, can share the same lines (of transmission), and then can be sorted and routed. Packet switching gives multiple users simultaneous access to a single line.

A code used to gain access to a locked system. Effective passwords combine letters and numbers or characters.

Any sequence or combination of characters that is used in searching computer directories.

A collection of words that is placed in quotation marks so that it can be treated as a single word during a query or search.

See computer architecture.

A (usually small) piece of software that adds features to a larger piece of software.

POP (Point of Presence, also Post Office Protocol)

Two common meanings: Point of Presence and Post Office Protocol. A Point of Presence usually means a city or location where a network connection exists via dial up phone lines. Post Office Protocol refers to the way e-mail software such as Juno retrieves mail from a mail server.

portable document format (PDF)

Popular document format created by Adobe systems to view documents created by different applications with the same viewer.

An Internet gateway that contains information that targets a particular interest.

A single message entered into a network communications system.

PPP (point to point protocol)

A protocol that allows a computer to use a regular telephone line and a modem to make TCP/IP connections to the Internet.

The proper procedures for data transmission. Concerns the type and structure of data required for specific devices. It also incorporates requirements for code recognition, communication functions, and the identification of data streams (packets of information).

A backup of packets awaiting processing.

Refers to the "question" or a request for information that is "asked of" a database or the Internet.

A video format for making movies available on the Web.

Rapid Filer

A program (from Windows by MicroSoft) that allows a file transfer between the microcomputer and a remote computer.

reciprocal linking

The practice of providing a link to a web site in return for a link posted on that site referencing back to the originating site.

Refers to use of a computer or device where there are no perceptible delays in getting responses to inputs.

The smallest unit of information that may be identified as the location of a hit(s).

remote computing

Where an individual or company arranges to network its PC with a vendor's data processing center. This is a method of technical outsourcing.

A device that propagates electrical signals from one cable to another.

request for comments (RFC)

The document series, begun in 1969, that describes the Internet set of protocols and related experiments.

A device that directs traffic between computer networks. Routing is the process of deciding what path information will take when traveling over a computer network like the Internet.

Read the Flippin' Manual (or some such similar thing). This is a mild flame in response to a user's question when the answer is immediately available in file documentation.

Literally, a user's attempt to find information on a topic by entering keywords or phrases into a Search Engine.

search engines

Software that searches the Internet for sites that match the keywords entered by a user.

security certificate

A chunk of information (often stored as a text file) that is used by the SSL protocol to establish a secure connection. Security Certificates contain information about who it belongs to, who it was issued by, a unique serial number or other unique identification, valid dates, and an encrypted "fingerprint" that can be used to verify the contents of the certificate.

Describes any hardware which provides services to a client.

Single Entry Multiple-Company Interface (SEMCI)

Where an insurance agent's single entry of applicant or client information into a PC can be read and processed by multiple insurers who are linked to the agent.

SLIP (serial line Internet protocol)

A protocol that allows a computer to use a regular telephone line and a modem to make TCP/IP connections to the Internet. (Same as PPP)

Similar to a credit card, a card that contains a computer chip that allows the card to store data such as claims or insurance records.

SMDS (Switched Multimegabit Data Service)

A new standard for very high-speed data transfer.

SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises)

A broad classification of businesses defined by revenue. The range used by one major corporation's consulting division (IBM) includes businesses between $1 and $500 million.

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)

The standard protocol for transmitting Internet e-mail.

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

A set of standards for communication with devices connected to a TCP/IP network. Examples of these devices include routers, hubs and switches.

spam (or spamming)

An inappropriate use of a mailing list, USENET or other networked communications as a broadcast medium by sending the same, unsolicited message to a large number of people.

speech recognition

See continuous speech recognition.

SQL (structured query language)

A specialized programming language for sending queries (inquiries or questions using keywords) to databases.

SSL (secure sockets layer)

A protocol designed by Netscape Communications to enable encrypted, authenticated Internet communications.

sysop (system operator)

Anyone responsible for the physical operations of a computer system or network resource.

A leased-line connection capable of carrying data at 1,544,000 bits per second. At maximum theoretical capacity, a T-1 line could move a megabyte in less than 10 seconds.

A leased-line connection capable of carrying data at 44,736,000 bits per second, which makes it capable of transmitting full-screen, full-motion video.

Refers to one trillion bytes (1,000 gigabytes) of information and is represented by tb.

A device that allows you to send commands to a remote computer.

terminal server

A special purpose computer that has multiple modem ports on one side, and a connection to a LAN or host machine on the other side. Terminal servers answer calls and route the connections on to the appropriate node (single PC).

thin client

Describes a computer network where an application and business logic are accessed from a central server, which allows the network machines to contain higher levels of memory than regular network PCs.

TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol)

A set of protocols that specify the system of communication used for the Internet.

An operating system (OS) used on many Internet server computers.

Refers to restoring (inflating) a file that's been reduced with a file compression program.

To transfer files from your computer to another computer on the Internet. Uploading is commonly done using an FTP program.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

URL is an Internet "address." All URLs follow the same structure: the two slashes, the protocol, the name of the server, and then the path.

Usenet news

The official name of a part of the Internet that allows you to participate in various discussion groups on unlimited topics.

Any individual who uses the Internet.

The name of a particular user on a host computer or server. Your username is the name before the "@" sign in your e-mail address.

UUENCODE (Unix to Unix Encoding)

A method for converting files from binary to ASCII (text) so that they can be sent across the Internet via e-mail. See also binhex, MIME

value added network (VaN)

Private network operated by a company to transport information such as EDI between subscribers.

virtual private network (VPN)

A system of encryption and authentication that allows the creation of a private, protected segment on a public network such as the Internet.

A program that replicates itself by incorporating itself into other programs that are shared among computer systems.

WAN (wide area network)

Any network that covers an area larger than a single building or campus.

The person in charge of a Website's operation and maintenance.

A network PC with the special task of storing and transmitting documents that are in an HTML format.

wildcard symbols

Characters that are included in a pattern and which permit you to match a range or words in a search. Example, the pattern r*d would find rid, rod, red, ryd, rad, etc.

workflow systems

The automation and documentation of a business's (streamlined) work procedures.

workstation

Usually refers to a computer that is well-suited to running science or engineering applications.

A computer program that replicates itself and is self-propagating. Worms, as opposed to viruses, are designed for network environments.

WWW (World Wide Web)

Has two major meanings:

First, loosely used: the whole constellation of resources that can be accessed using Gopher, FTP, HTTP, telnet, USENET, WAIS and some other tools. Second, the universe of hypertext (HTTP) servers which are capable of multi-media communications (the actual Internet).

XML extensible markup language

Language for authoring Web pages that is more flexible than HTML.

A popular Web index company, popular search destination, and Web magazine publisher.

Refers to reducing a file's size with a PC file compression program. Compression is usually used to make large files easier to transmit across the Internet.